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First, Rep. Pete Hoekstra (R-Mich.), who is running for governor of the Wolverine State, tweeted: "Iranian twitter activity similar to what we did in House last year when Republicans were shut down in the House."

Rep. John Culberson (R-Texas) then followed Hoesktra's tweet with two of his own. "Good to see Iranian people move mountains w social media, shining sunlight on their repressive govt -- Texans support their bid for freedom," Culberson wrote, adding in a second tweet: "Oppressed minorities include House Repubs: We are using social media to expose repression such as last night's D clampdown shutting off amends."

Um, never smart to compare serving in the minority in the House of Representatives to an attempt to unseat a repressive regime. Especially in the decidedly limited 140-character format of Twitter.

Sensing opportunity, the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee jumped in to slam Hoekstra's tweet. "The American people are tired of the erratic behavior from the Republican 'Party of No; and want them to finally start working with the President and Congressional Democrats to turn the economy around," said DCCC spokesman Ryan Rudominer.

A huge deal? No. But, would it have happened if Hoekstra or Culberson had never heard of Twitter. Nope.

Earlier today, Rep. Peter Hoekstra (R-MI) put up this astonishing post on Twitter, likening the oppression of the Iranian people to the plight of House Republicans:

Iranian twitter activity similar to what we did in House last year when Republicans were shut down in the House.

In the hours since, the Twitter community has responded -- with massive heckling. Here's just a small sample of some of the best ones:

ArjunJaikumar @petehoekstra i spilled some lukewarm coffee on myself just now, which is somewhat analogous to being boiled in oil
chrisbaskind @petehoekstra My neighbor stopped me to talk today. Now I know what it is like to be questioned by the Basij!

luckbfern @petehoekstra I stand in solidarity with the oppressed rich white men of Repub Party in the House. #GOPfail Allah Akbar!

ceedub7 @petehoekstra I got a splinter in my hand today. Felt just like Jesus getting nailed to the cross.

netw3rk @petehoekstra Someone walked in on me while I was in the bathroom. Reminded me of Pearl Harbor.

MattOrtega Walked out onto Constitution Ave in D.C. and was almost hit by a taxi. Reminded me of Tienanmen Square.

>>This writer just claimed you can't compare a minority rule in congress to the unseating of a regime - really?

Yes because despite people's overinflated sense of self-worth, being the minority in America is not being the minority in Iran. You know because we don't put down dissention with force and/or murder and let you get away with you know speaking your mind openly and freely without much fear of imprisonment or death. We may not all agree but some of the things posted in blogs like this are treasonous in other nations and that's something to think about and count your lucky stars that we don't have to endure.

And it belittles real opression like that of the Iranian people to compare yourself to their plight. You're not quite the pariahs you think you are.

This writer just claimed you can't compare a minority rule in congress to the unseating of a regime - really? I do believe Obama, during his much touted Cairo speech compared what the palestinians have gone thru to the holocaust. I must add that the minority rule thanks to this president will only be temporary!

Here's an account of the Minnesota DFL twitterer. The tweet itself wasn't funny, but the resulting consequences were hilarious, starting from the complaint that the tweets were undermining representative democracy.

I still laugh about the Grassley tweet. Ok, ok, we get it. You're not a NAIL!!!111!